In Wicked Part One, multi-talented Cynthia Erivo plays the character of Elphaba Thropp, a green-skinned young woman whose father — Governor Frexspar Thropp of Munchkinland (Andy Nyman) — has shunned her since the day she was born.

While the green skin of Cynthia Erivo’s character Elphaba in “Wicked” comes as a shock to many in the land of Oz, her waist length micro braids were a pleasant surprise to viewers watching—and a deliberate choice.

Cynthia Erivo has made history as the second Black actress to portray Elphaba in a major production of the beloved musical “Wicked.”